Ireland's Civil Partnership Bill was today signed into law by the President.

The Bill will provide many, but not all, of the rights enjoyed by married people to civil partners. Aside from not providing for same sex marriage, the main fault of the Bill is that it does not recognise the relationship between a child and its non-biological civil partner parent.

While the Bill is now law, it has not yet been commenced. Commencement is not expected for six months. This is because separate legislation needs to be brought forward to equalise tax and social welfare provision. This legislation is expected in the autumn parliamentary session.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0719/breaking29.html